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^^ If you aren't having any problems with your current AVR, then keep it. I'd concentrate on new subs and with a 3k budget, you can get a whole heck of a lot of woofage. That 3k should buy you a couple of Rythmiks, certainly a couple of XS30se's with change to spare or a single SubMersive or JTR Cap.

Since it's in your living room, I assume that looks are important and you only have a couple of seating areas (couch and perhaps a chair). If that's the case, one grand sub could work out well. I have one XS30 in a 3,400 cu. ft. room and have no problems shaking everything in sight. If your seating positions are fairly widely spaced, two is preferable to help induce room smoothing and seating coverage.

I don't know much about particular AVRs, but Denon has great amplifiers and their AVR uses real Audyssey MultEQ XT32 which allows room correction for two separate subwoofers - a real advantage when using two. Separate equalization of subs makes a huge difference in smoothing the in-room bass response.

When using standard room correction with only one sub output, the subs are treated as a singe device whereas when there is independent equalization each sub is corrected independently and because of their different locations in the room allows a much smoother combined bass response. One sub may have a cancellation null at a particular frequency because of its location, but the other sub may be able to fill in at that frequency due to its different location - this is done at all frequencies.

^. You have the budget for a nice AVR and dual subs....go that route. The X4000 would be a great choice due to sub eq ht which dials in dual subs individually. The X4000 plus two good subs will give you the best all around performance imo. Dual Rythmiks would be a step up(2dB or so in max output and lower extension), but you would lose the ability to eq them separately with the avr. Audysey XT32 is supposed to work well also.

So I would either get dual Rythmik FV15HP,---- or------ dual PSAXV15se and X4000 AVR

As far as 2v1, generally 2 is better than one unless the disparity is enormous:

2 xv15 > 1 FV15, but one captivator has such a huge advantage in output....I would still only do this route if you can see adding another down the road.

^^^What he said! IMO the sub(s) is the most noticeable improvement you can make to your system, so choose wisely. Once you have one with solid output and extension you will find yourself wondering how come you did not get one a long time ago. Also, I promise you that you will not stop grinning for at least a week. I've had my Rythmik's for a few months now and I'm still smiling see

You decided what you are going to do yet Eljay? This would be a good opportunity to start with a passive Captivator and an inuke 6000dsp Upgrade proof, future proof...just add another passive cap someday.

An AVR with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 would be the easier way to go, the MiniDSP with mic and REW would be the DIY way to go - both would allow you to EQ two subs.

Two subs will really change your mind about bass and how smooth bas response can be - especially if your placement options are limited. If you have a good room, space for bass traps, and unlimited placement options multiple subs is less important. When I upgraded from a modest 10" sub with 100w to my dual 12" subs with 400w, the first time I ever ran a bass tone sweep it actually scared me it was so powerful!

An AVR with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 would be the easier way to go, the MiniDSP with mic and REW would be the DIY way to go - both would allow you to EQ two subs.

Two subs will really change your mind about bass and how smooth bas response can be - especially if your placement options are limited. If you have a good room, space for bass traps, and unlimited placement options multiple subs is less important. When I upgraded from a modest 10" sub with 100w to my dual 12" subs with 400w, the first time I ever ran a bass tone sweep it actually scared me it was so powerful!

+1

If you are not the kind of person that wants to learn how to use REW and mini DSP, dual PSA XV15se subs and the Denon X4000 will still be a super fantastic upgrade over your current sub.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Shane

could you explain what you mean by "extension" in reference to subs, sorry for my ignorance

IMO, yes. Your Pioneer has MCACC room EQ whose shortcoming is that it doesn't EQ sub(s). The miniDSP will do that. So, if you like your AVR, you don't need to sell it just to get good room EQ capability.

That said, it's not as straightforward as just running Audyssey - but - as long as you're OK with a bit of a challenge (but not a huge challenge), miniDSP + REW is a good way to go.

This! Imo a Mini dsp has the potential to do a better job eq'ing the subs over any room correction software. Yes Audyssey XT32 sub eq ht is a nice feature but is by no means a end all. I would not sell your avr for that feature when you can buy a dsp for 100.00. Where XT32 shines is with the main speakers...so if you feel your main speakers response is lacking, XT32 could really help them.